Pretty much as soon as we hit ‘post’ on the story about Salsa’s new TranzX adjustable travel dropper post yesterday, we ran across this bit of news from PNW. Technically, PNW Components was first to introduce their latest dropper post tech which looks to be very similar to that used in the new TranzX posts that will be found on Salsa bikes.
The good news here is that if you want the tool-free travel adjust technology on a bike that you already own, the PNW Rainier Gen 3 dropper may be the perfect fit. Like the TranzX YSI05, the Rainier Gen 3 includes the ability to easily change the dropper’s travel by up to -30mm, and in 5mm increments.
The travel adjust bushing has an indicator that matches up with laser etching on the post tube to easily find the preferred setting. The -30mm adjustment makes for posts with 95-125mm, 120-150mm, 140-170mm, and 170-200mm total travel ranges.
All of these adjustments can be made without tools, with a simple unthreading of the mid-cap and repositioning of the bushing.
The posts are also shorter overall, with the 125mm version shortened by 27.5mm from end to end. When combined with the reduced overall length of the Gen 3 post, the travel adjust feature should allow you to maximize the amount of dropper travel that you can fit on any given frame with your individual saddle height.
Available in either 30.9 or 31.6mm diameters (34.9mm coming soon), the posts can be purchased in 125, 150, 170, or 200mm maximum travels. If you’re unsure which size to purchase, PNW has a dropper size calculator on their page linked below. The droppers can be ordered with any of the PNW levers including their Drop Bar Lever, or no lever at all. Pricing starts at just $179 without a lever or $217.20 with a lever. When paired with their excellent Loam Lever, the price is $239.00. Each post is internally routed, offers infinite positioning within the stroke, and includes a 3 year warranty.
